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A formal review of veterinary surveillance in Scotland has not yet begun. We are in the process of actively recruiting an independent person of suitable stature to chair a review panel.

The veterinary surveillance work carried out by Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) is not carried out under contract. The work is managed through a Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out the framework and a series of descriptors, revised annually, which set out the detail of what is required.

The disease surveillance activities carried out by SAC include:

Post mortem examinations,

Clinical diagnostic samples,

Collation and analysis of surveillance data,

Investigation of new syndromes,

Wild bird surveys for avian influenza and West Nile virus and

Zoonotic disease - investigation and reporting.

The work required for each of the topics listed above is the subject of a separate descriptor.

In the late 1990s, a research project funded by the European Commission evaluated mesh measurement methodologies for fisheries inspection and research. In 1999, an international study group was set up by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) to look at similar issues. At that point in time scientists were using the so called ICES mesh gauge (which applied a longitudinal force free from human influence) while enforcers and others used the wedge shaped gauge. Both had been used in parallel since the 1960s but gave different results when used on the same netting.

The ICES gauge produced lower values on mesh opening than the wedge gauge. This was thought to have an adverse effect on the selectivity of fishing gears as the mesh sizes in commercial use were smaller in practice than those recommended by scientists. In addition, the courts in some countries had declined to prosecute in several cases where the evidence was obtained with a wedge gauge due to the lack of objectivity in this method of measurement. These factors led to an international demand for the standardisation of mesh measurement technique by fisheries inspectors, scientists and the fishing industry. Both of the earlier studies concluded that a new instrument should be developed and that everyone should use the same method of mesh measurement.

The resultant objective mesh gauge (Omega) was developed subsequently under an EU-funded research project.

It became a legal requirement for inspection services to use the Omega gauge from 1 September 2009.

No formal consultation was carried out by the Scottish Government as none is required to simply introduce a new piece of inspection equipment.

However, the genesis of the objective mesh gauge (Omega) goes back to the late 1990s. During initial projects to evaluate mesh measurement methodologies for fisheries inspection and research, discussions were held across Europe with fishermen and net manufacturers including with Scottish interests. During the development of the objective mesh gauge, extensive trials were carried out involving research institutes and inspection services of EU member states and several other countries, as well as netting manufacturers and fishermen. The European Federation of Rope, Twine and netting Industries (EUROCORD) also recommended the use of the Omega gauge during the production of sheet netting and urged the European Commission to adopt the Omega gauge.

We have no plans to offer compensation in such circumstances.

The results of the laboratory trials showed that there was no significant difference between the objective mesh gauge (Omega) and the wedge-shaped gauge. In the field trials conducted by fisheries inspectors, in meshes of 55 mm or more, the measurements taken by the wedge gauge were on average 3 mm greater that those measured with the Omega gauge using a force of 100N. There was no significant difference in meshes of less than 55 mm. The Omega gauge in operational service currently uses a force of 125N to measure meshes of 55 mm or more.

The genesis of the Omega can be traced back to the late 1990s, when a research project funded by the European Commission evaluated mesh measurement methodologies for fisheries inspection and research. An international study group was subsequently set up by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in 1999. The study group presented its final report in 2003, including the recommendation that everyone should use the same method of mesh measurement using longitudinal force. The task of developing a new gauge was undertaken in an EU sponsored research project, the Omega project. The partners in the project included fisheries inspection services and fisheries research institutes from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Scotland. Fisheries research institutes from EU member countries and ICES member countries, as well as Turkey, the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), netting manufacturers and fishermen were involved in testing and evaluating the Omega gauge. Extensive trials were carried out under both laboratory conditions and at sea.

The cost of the new objective mesh gauge (Omega) is approximately £1,500 per gauge. The last time wedge gauges were purchased for enforcement officers was some 15 years ago. The cost then was approximately £35 per gauge.

There is no contract between Scottish Government and Scottish Agricultural College which regulates animal health surveillance activities. I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28511 on 10 November 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The surveillance work carried out by Scottish Agricultural College is partly led by the demand for laboratory investigation from farmers and veterinary surgeons. There are no regional targets set. Disease surveillance activities carried out by Scottish Agricultural College are monitored through a system of formal monthly, quarterly and annual reports and twice yearly formal meetings between Scottish Government and Scottish Agricultural College staff. These formal arrangements are supplemented by frequent ad hoc reports and meetings.

The objective mesh gauge (Omega) was initially developed in an EU-sponsored research project, the Omega project. The partners in the project included fisheries inspection services and fisheries research institutes from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Scotland. Fisheries research institutes from EU member countries and ICES member countries, as well as Turkey, the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), netting manufacturers and fishermen were involved in testing and evaluating the Omega gauge. Extensive trials were carried out under both laboratory conditions and at sea.

The Scottish Government hopes to be in a position to announce the exchanges to be upgraded and indicative timescales by the end of this year. Further information will be posted on our website, in due course, at www.broadbandforscotland.co.uk.